"Sweet Soul Music" is a soul song first released by American singer Arthur Conley in 1967. Written by Conley and Otis Redding,^[2] it is based on the Sam Cooke song "Yeah Man" from his posthumous album Shake;^{[citation needed]} the opening riff is a quote from Elmer Bernstein's score for the 1960 movie The Magnificent Seven.^{[citation needed]}

In the US, "Sweet Soul Music" reached the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 (behind "The Happening" by The Supremes),^[3] and No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart. Overseas, it peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.^[4] "Sweet Soul Music" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.^[2]

J. W. Alexander, Cooke's business partner, sued both Redding and Conley for appropriating the melody. A settlement was reached in which Cooke's name was added to the writer credits, and Redding agreed to record some songs in the future from Kags Music, a Cooke–Alexander enterprise. ^{[citation needed]}

Lyrics

The song is an homage to soul music. The following songs are mentioned in the lyrics:

• "Going to a Go-Go", by the Miracles; the group is not explicitly mentioned.
• "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing", by Lou Rawls
• "Hold On, I'm Comin'", by Sam & Dave
• "Mustang Sally", by Wilson Pickett
• "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)", by Otis Redding. A brief instrumental version of the chorus for the song is quoted, after Conley says, "Hit it, Otis".

Additionally, James Brown is described as "the king of them all".^[5]

At the end of the song, Arthur Conley sings, "Otis Redding got the feeling."

Certifications